Find Academic Supervisors

Markus ValtinerView profile

Professor

• Corrosion Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• +4 more

Prof. Markus Valtiner is a Professor at TU Wien's Department of Applied Interface Physics, focusing on interfacial processes, corrosion science, and electrochemistry. His research combines experimental and theoretical approaches to study solid-liquid interfaces, surface chemistry, and material degradation mechanisms. He leads a team investigating high entropy alloys, passive film structures, and biomimetic membrane systems. Education: Dipl.-Ing. (Diplom-Ingenieur) in Engineering, Dr.techn. (Doctor of Engineering) from TU Wien. Research Interests: Corrosion mechanisms, electrochemical analysis, surface modification, and thin film characterization. His work spans applications in automotive materials, protective coatings, and biomedical systems. Recent Trends: Articles emphasize real-time visualization of ion dynamics, advanced surface analysis via LEIS and AFM, and sustainable material treatments. Studies on hydration layers and superlubrication highlight innovative solutions for friction reduction in confined spaces. Awards: None explicitly mentioned. Advising & Grants: Advised 19 thesis students (2018–2023) on topics like electrochemical functionalization, corrosion protection, and nanophotonic materials. Grant activities focus on interdisciplinary collaborations between physics, chemistry, and engineering. Labs & Teams: Leads the Network Lab at TU Wien, specializing in interfacial physics and advanced materials characterization using cutting-edge microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

• Neuromuscular biomechanics
• Sensorimotor control
• Aging and mobility impairment
• +3 more

Dr. Jason Franz is an Associate Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serves as the BME Well-Being Director and Director of the UNC Applied Biomechanics Laboratory. His research focuses on neuromuscular biomechanics, sensorimotor control, and aging-related mobility impairments. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech, a Ph.D. in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado Boulder, and completed an NIH post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His laboratory integrates quantitative motion analysis, electromyography, dynamic ultrasound imaging, computational simulation, and virtual reality to address mobility preservation in aging populations. Key research interests include gait mechanics, muscle-tendon dynamics, and rehabilitation engineering. Recent work emphasizes the metabolic and biomechanical consequences of altered gait patterns, particularly in aging and post-ACL reconstruction populations. Articles highlight adaptations in muscle activation, joint moments, and tendon stiffness under perturbations, with implications for fall prevention and cartilage health. Awards : NIH Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program (2017–2019), ACCLAIM Program (2019–2020), and multiple teaching/research fellowships. Courses Taught : BMME205 (Mechanics) and BMME405/890 (Biomechanics of Movement). Labs/Teams : UNC Applied Biomechanics Lab, focusing on translational technologies for mobility preservation.

Niels OtaniView profile

Associate Professor

• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Computational Biology
• Biomechanical Imaging
• +9 more

Niels Otani is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He holds a BA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on cardiac electrophysiology, computational biology, and biomechanical imaging, with a particular emphasis on understanding and controlling cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation. Dr. Otani has pioneered methods for visualizing action potential propagation using ultrasound and developed novel defibrillation strategies that reduce energy requirements. He also investigates the role of ephaptic coupling in cardiac dynamics and the mechanisms underlying spiral wave formation and termination. His work bridges mathematics, physics, and cardiology, with applications in clinical therapies and biomedical engineering. Dr. Otani's research has been supported by grants such as an NSF award for developing diagnostic tools for cardiac disease. He teaches advanced courses in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and research thesis supervision. Collaborations span interdisciplinary teams, including veterinary cardiology and biomedical imaging groups. His contributions include over 50 publications on topics ranging from action potential dynamics to computational modeling of cardiac tissue, with a focus on translating theoretical findings into clinical solutions.

Ilja K. VoetsView profile

Professor

• Soft Matter Physics
• Polymer Science
• Colloidal Self-Assembly
• +6 more

Ilja K. Voets is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, leading the Self-Organizing Soft Matter research group. She is also a Core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Her academic journey began at Wageningen University & Research where she earned her PhD cum laude in 2008, followed by postdoctoral research at the Aldolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Since 2011, she has been at TU/e, becoming a full professor in 2018. Her educational background includes Molecular Sciences at Wageningen University & Research, with a PhD focusing on micellisation in dilute aqueous solutions of oppositely charged double hydrophilic block copolymers. She was supervised by dr. Arie de Keizer and prof. Martien A. Cohen Stuart. Professor Voets leads an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers studying self-assembly processes in biological soft matter. Her research focuses on colloidal self-organization, polymer assembly and folding, and protein biophysics, with particular interest in ice-binding proteins that help organisms survive in extreme cold environments. She investigates how to control intra- and intermolecular copolymer assembly to develop novel functional soft materials, artificial enzymes, and strategies to enhance colloidal stability. A key challenge in her work involves orchestrating colloidal self-assembly with remote cues such as light and temperature. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on antifreeze proteins, colloidal assembly, and nanoparticle technology, with significant contributions to understanding ice-binding mechanisms and developing novel soft materials. The research demonstrates consistent high-impact output across prestigious journals including PNAS, Angewandte Chemie, and Biomacromolecules. Ambizione Award (2010) : Recognizing early-career research excellence DMS Science and Technology Award (2009) : For significant contributions to materials science ERC Consolidator Grant (2021) : Supporting advanced research in ice-binding protein-polymers Ice-binding protein-polymers project (2016) : Focused on control over ice growth in soft materials Innovative peptide system award (2019) : For novel drug targeting approaches Professor Voets supervises numerous research projects and students, teaching courses including Biological Physics, Physical Chemistry, and Experimental Soft Matter. Her research group is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories, and the Gravity Program Functional Molecular Systems. Industry collaborations include DSM, Kemetyl, and Unilever, demonstrating the practical applications of her fundamental research. Her work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.

• Thyroid Physiology
• Thyroid Pathology
• Thyroid Cancer
• +4 more

Dr. Carole Ann Spencer is a Professor at the University of Southern California, specializing in Research Medicine. She holds a PhD from Glasgow University, Scotland, and has completed fellowships in Clinical Biochemistry at Glasgow University and at the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. Her work focuses on advancing thyroid-related diagnostics and clinical practices, particularly in immunoassay techniques and thyroid hormone metabolism. Her research interests include thyroid physiology/pathology, thyroglobulin and thyroid cancer biomarkers, optimizing thyroid hormone suppression therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and studying thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. She emphasizes the development of cost-effective diagnostic methodologies and addressing challenges in clinical endocrinology. Awards: Endocrine Society International Award for Publishing Excellence (2011) 2× Distinguished Scientist Awards from National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (2004) and Clinical Ligand Assay Society (1998) Multiple Outstanding Speaker recognitions from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (1998, 1997, 1992) Albert L. Chaney Award (2003) and Gold Medal from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (1967) Her advising and grant activities are not detailed in the provided text. She contributes to collaborative efforts in endocrinology and clinical biochemistry, though specific labs or research teams are not mentioned here.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomineralization
• +6 more

Dr. Liza-Anastasia DiCecco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where she leads the Regenerative Biomaterials Innovation Group. Her research focuses on biomimetic implant development for hard tissues, biomineralization processes, and advanced materials characterization using liquid phase electron microscopy. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from McMaster University and completed postdoctoral training at Penn State University supported by the NSERC Banting Fellowship. Education: PhD, Materials Engineering, McMaster University (2023) MASc, Materials Engineering, University of Windsor (2019) BASc, Mechanical Engineering, University of Windsor (2017) Research Interests: Biomaterials design for musculoskeletal applications Biomineralization mechanisms at organic-inorganic interfaces In situ liquid transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for dynamic material analysis 3D printing of functionalized medical implants Computational modeling of biomaterial behavior Awards & Recognition: 2023 NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship 2019-2022 NSERC Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2024 M&M Microanalysis Society Creative Canvas Award 2023 McMaster University Fall Valedictorian Professional Affiliations: Councillor-At-Large, Microscopy Society of Canada Core Member, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology Member, Canadian Biomaterials Society Lab Focus: The DiCecco Team develops novel biomaterial characterization workflows linking atomic-to-macro scale structures, with emphasis on hydrated environments. Current projects explore titanium-based implants with genistein coatings and collagen mineralization mechanisms.

Amanda LeeView profile

Professor

• Medical Statistics
• Epidemiology
• Health Sciences
• +3 more

Professor Amanda Lee is a Chair in Medical Statistics at the University of Aberdeen, affiliated with the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. She holds the title of Professor since 2006 and has served as Director of the Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) from 2018 to 2023. Her research focuses on applied medical statistics, epidemiology of vascular diseases, and healthcare equity. She has led the University Medical Statistics Team since 2005 and currently heads the Biostatistics and Health Data Science group. Lee is active in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), co-founding the Women's Development Network in 2020 and serving as IAHS EDI Lead since 2024. Education: MSc in Medical Statistics from Newcastle University (1987), PhD (details unspecified), and extensive postdoctoral experience at the University of Dundee and University of Edinburgh. Her career includes roles as a senior research fellow, Reader, and academic leadership positions. Research Interests: Her work spans biostatistics, vascular disease epidemiology, and health services research. She has contributed to studies on COPD management, surgical training equity, and quality of life in chronic conditions. Notable projects include the BICS RCT on bisoprolol for COPD and analyses of differential attainment in medical examinations. Publications and Grants: Over 250 publications, with recent work on COPD, medical education equity, and surgical training. She has secured £12 million in grants across 84 projects. Teaching includes online courses in research methods and statistics for health professionals. Leadership and Service: Member of numerous university committees, including EDI networks, promotions panels, and policy groups. External roles include statistical editorships, data monitoring committees, and grant review panels.

Raquel Alexandra Gonçalves CostaView profile

Associate Professor

• Maternal Mental Health
• Perinatal Psychology
• Psychometrics
• +5 more

Raquel Alexandra Gonçalves Costa is an Associate Professor at University Lusófona's Faculty of Psychology and Education, where she serves as a key researcher in the School of Psychology and Life Sciences and the Human Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-LAB). With an h-index of 20 and 1,690 citations across 181 research outputs, she has established herself as a leading scholar in perinatal mental health research. Her research interests span maternal mental health, psychometric assessment in perinatal contexts, parenting programs, obstetric violence, and child development. Dr. Costa has made significant contributions to understanding depression screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and has developed expertise in fear of birth assessment through multicountry studies. Her work bridges clinical psychology with practical healthcare applications, particularly in improving maternal care systems. Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on how social support systems impact perinatal mental health outcomes, with particular attention to partner dynamics during childbirth and the moderating effects of women's mental health history. Her research increasingly incorporates innovative methodologies including EEG assessment during pregnancy and statistical learning approaches to mental disorder etiology. Best Research Article with a Practice Focus Award (2022) Dr. Costa actively leads and participates in significant research grants , including the TIK-PT project adapting emotion-focused parenting programs for the Portuguese context, the multinational Riseup-PPD-COVID-19-BABYS study comparing maternal mental health across pandemic cohorts in Spain and Portugal, and the HiTOP-SR project advancing psychological assessment methodologies. She serves on the Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health committee and regularly contributes expert evaluation for research funding bodies. As a core member of the Human Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-LAB), she collaborates with interdisciplinary teams integrating psychological research with technological approaches to mental health assessment and intervention. Her work with the Tuning in to Kids® program demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practical parenting support systems that address emotional regulation in parent-child relationships.

• Sustainable Materials
• Electrocatalysis
• Energy Decarbonization
• +3 more

Prof. J.R. Galán-Mascarós leads the research group at ICIQ, focusing on sustainable materials and electrocatalysis for energy and chemical transformations. His work addresses decarbonization challenges across microscopic reactivity and engineering solutions for device implementation. Research interests include developing advanced materials for energy storage (e.g., artificial leaf systems), molecular memory devices, and chiral-functionalized catalysts. His team’s multidisciplinary approach combines materials science, electrochemistry, and chemical engineering. Key contributions include high-efficiency artificial leaf devices and molecular memory systems. Current projects involve CO₂ conversion technologies and magnetic-field-enhanced catalysis. Funding includes major grants like INHYTECH (metal nitrides applications) and BREATH-CO₂ (carbon mitigation strategies). The group actively collaborates with institutions like the University of Rovira i Virgili and industry partners. Prof. Galán-Mascarós oversees a diverse team of PhD students and visiting researchers, emphasizing innovation and interdisciplinary training.

Perminder SachdevView profile

Professor

• Dementia and Aging Brain Health
• Neuroimaging
• Biomarkers
• +5 more

Perminder Sachdev is a Scientia Professor of Neuropsychiatry at UNSW Sydney and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA). He holds roles as Clinical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Institute and has led major longitudinal studies on cognitive aging, including the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. His research focuses on dementia, neuroimaging, biomarkers, and brain stimulation techniques. Education: MBBS and MD from All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (1978–1983), PhD in Neuropsychiatry from UNSW (1991). Clinical training in Australia, with expertise in movement disorders and later dementia research. Research interests span dementia prevention, neuroimaging biomarkers, and psychiatric disorders in aging. He leads international consortia like COSMIC and STROKOG, and has authored over 600 peer-reviewed papers with an H-index of 90. Awards include NSW Scientist of the Year (2010) and Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (2015). Key Projects: Sydney Centenarian Study, Older Australian Twins Study. Grants: Extensive funding for aging and dementia research. Labs/Teams: CHeBA, Neuropsychiatric Institute.

Tobin SosnickView profile

Professor

• Protein Folding
• Biophysics
• Molecular Dynamics
• +5 more

Prof. Tobin Sosnick is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard University (1989) and a B.A. in Physics from UC San Diego. His research focuses on protein folding mechanisms, biophysical dynamics, and membrane protein behavior, employing advanced techniques like SAXS, HDX-MS, and molecular simulations. He leads the Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences and has pioneered studies on disordered proteins and allosteric regulation. Notable contributions include elucidating the '70% Rule' for folding transition states and developing optogenetic tools for actin imaging. Recognized as a 2024 AAAS Fellow and contributor to the 2023 Lasker Award-winning AlphaFold project, his work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology. Affiliations: Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Senior Fellow, Computation Institute; Founding Member, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. Collaborations span structural biology, computational biophysics, and cellular engineering. Research Highlights: Protein Folding Dynamics: Transition state topology, cooperativity, and downhill folding. Disordered Proteins: Conformational ensembles, solvent effects, and phase separation. Molecular Tools: Optogenetic systems (e.g., LILAC) and HDX-MS for membrane protein analysis. Grants & Awards: 2024 AAAS Fellow, 2023 Lasker Award contributor, multiple NIH grants for protein dynamics research. His lab has produced over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Labs & Teams: The Sosnick Group integrates experimental and computational approaches, with ongoing projects on riboswitches, stress granule formation, and prestin electromotility mechanisms in hearing.

Genhong ChengView profile

Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Innate Immunity
• +4 more

Genhong Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, particularly in viral infections such as Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza. Dr. Cheng has made significant contributions to the field of innate immunity, especially in interferon signaling pathways and NF-kappaB regulation. Dr. Cheng's research interests span across virology, immunology, and molecular biology. He has extensively studied how viruses interact with host immune responses, with a particular focus on interferon signaling pathways. His work has revealed critical mechanisms by which viruses evade host defenses and how host cells mount effective antiviral responses. Key areas of investigation include: NF-kappaB signaling in immune responses Interferon-stimulated gene functions Host metabolic changes during viral infection Mechanisms of viral replication and evasion Development of broad-spectrum antiviral strategies Analysis of Dr. Cheng's recent publications reveals a strong focus on emerging viral threats, including SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. His research consistently explores how host metabolic pathways intersect with immune responses to viral infection. A notable theme is the identification of host factors that can be targeted for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies, particularly those involving lipid metabolism and interferon-stimulated genes. Recent work has emphasized translational applications of basic discoveries in viral pathogenesis. Dr. Cheng's laboratory has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining virology, immunology, molecular biology, and systems biology to unravel complex host-virus relationships. Current research directions include exploring novel antiviral strategies targeting host factors that are essential for viral replication.

Nilam RamView profile

Professor

• Longitudinal Research Methodology
• Digital Media and Mental Health
• Data Science Applications in Psychology
• +3 more

Nilam Ram is a Professor of Communication and Psychology at Stanford University, with affiliations in the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance and the Symbolic Systems Program. His research focuses on the dynamic interplay of psychological processes and media use, leveraging longitudinal methodologies and intensive data streams from digital devices. He holds dual appointments in Communication and Psychology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to studying change across lifespan development. Education: B.A. in Economics (not specified), followed by transitions into kinesiology and psychology. Current research explores media effects, digital phenotyping via the Human Screenome Project, and applications of AI to longitudinal data. He teaches courses on temporal data analysis, statistical methods, and media psychology. Research Interests: Longitudinal study designs, intensive longitudinal data (e.g., smartphone screen captures), affective aging, and the impact of digital media on mental health. His work bridges computational methods with psychological theory, emphasizing person-specific analyses over aggregated trends. Recent Article Themes: Smartphone use and suicide risk prediction, digital nature vs. physical nature impacts, transformer models for mortality prediction, and mindfulness interventions. These reflect a focus on real-time behavioral tracking and AI-driven insights. Labs/Teams: The Change Lab @ Stanford Grants/Advising: Mentors doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in media psychology and data science. Courses include advanced statistical methods and interdisciplinary projects.

Grant MontgomeryView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Reproductive Disorders
• +4 more

Professor Grant Montgomery is a leading academic at the University of Queensland (UQ), serving as Director of the UQ Genome Innovation Hub and Group Leader of the Genomics of Reproductive Disorders at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB). His primary focus is on understanding the genetic and epigenetic basis of reproductive disorders, particularly endometriosis, through large-scale genomic studies and functional analyses. His work integrates multi-omics data to identify disease mechanisms and develop translational solutions. Research Interests: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of endometrial function Systems genetics approaches to study complex diseases Functional validation of genomic risk variants Development of clinical tools like eQTL/mQTL browsers Multi-omics integration for disease biomarker discovery Recent Articles: Highlighting endometriosis genetics, comorbidity mechanisms, and novel diagnostic approaches. Key themes include genetic risk stratification, epigenetic dysregulation, and translational applications of genomic data. Collaborations: Active partnerships with institutions globally, including University of California, San Francisco, Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, and Monash University. Major consortia include International Endometriosis Genetics Consortium and Reprogen Consortium. Advising & Training: Supervises PhD students focusing on endometrial cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and computational genomics. Provides training opportunities in functional genomics and systems biology. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team with expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research. Maintains cell culture facilities and single-cell sequencing capabilities.

Xuanhe ZhaoView profile

Professor

• Soft Materials Design
• Bioinspired Engineering
• Adhesive Materials
• +3 more

Xuanhe Zhao is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specializing in Sustainable Materials & Infrastructure. His research focuses on designing soft materials with unprecedented properties and applications in bioadhesives, biomedical devices, and soft robotics. Zhao holds the d’Arbeloff Career Development Chair and has received multiple awards including the Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award and the Arthur K. Doolittle Award. Education: B.E., Tianjin University, 2003 M.A.Sc., University of British Columbia, 2006 M.S. & Ph.D., Harvard University, 2008–2009 Research Interests: Zhao’s work bridges mechanics, materials science, and bioinspired design. Key areas include: Adhesive materials for medical implants and soft robotics Fracture energy scaling in polymer networks Hydrogel-based biocontainment systems Magnetic soft materials and robots Publications: Recent work emphasizes adhesive materials with triggerable detachment, fracture energy laws in networks, and bioadhesive robots. His research often explores material design for biomedical and environmental applications. Awards: d’Arbeloff Career Development Chair (2014) Office of Naval Research YIP Award (2014) National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposium (2013) NSF CAREER Award (2012) Advising & Labs: Zhao leads a lab focused on soft materials innovation, with collaborations in robotics and biomedical engineering. His group develops materials that merge with biological systems, such as hydrogel-based sensors and bioadhesive medical devices. Labs/Teams: Active in MIT’s soft materials research community, advancing interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of mechanics, chemistry, and biology.